TENP Makes History as TVETA Accredits Institution as Official ODeL Training Centre

The Eldoret National Polytechnic has marked a major breakthrough in Kenya’s technical and vocational education sector after officially receiving accreditation from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) to operate as an Open, Distance and E-Learning (ODeL) training centre.

The accreditation, granted on Friday, May 22, 2026, signals a transformative step for the institution as it embraces digital learning and expands access to technical education beyond the traditional classroom setup. The move positions TENP among the leading Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Kenya championing technology-driven education and flexible learning systems.

Following the approval, the institution has been cleared to offer:

• Website Developer Level 4
• Computer Designer Level 4

The accreditation comes at a time when demand for online and flexible learning opportunities continues to grow across Kenya and globally, especially among working learners, school leavers, and international students seeking affordable and accessible technical education.

Speaking during the announcement, TVETA Assistant Director Paul Muriithi challenged the institution to fully utilize the opportunity by expanding its reach beyond Kenya and targeting learners from different parts of the world through digital platforms.

He noted that ODeL programmes have the potential to revolutionize TVET training by eliminating geographical barriers and enabling more students to access quality education remotely.

“The future of education is digital, and institutions must adapt to meet the changing needs of learners and industries. TENP now has an opportunity to reach trainees both locally and internationally,” said Muriithi.

TENP Principal Charles Koech described the accreditation as a significant achievement for the institution and a major boost toward the realization of its long-term strategic goals.

Dr. Koech said the institution is committed to developing more market-driven and industry-responsive programmes that align with the rapidly evolving digital economy and labour market demands.

He emphasized that the institution’s vision is to become a centre of excellence in technical and vocational training by integrating technology, innovation, and flexible learning approaches into education delivery.

“This accreditation is not just a win for the institution, but also for students who require flexible learning opportunities. We are preparing more programmes that respond to the needs of the modern job market and the digital economy,” Dr. Koech stated.

The principal further noted that online and distance learning will help bridge educational gaps by giving opportunities to learners who may not be able to attend physical classes due to work commitments, financial challenges, or geographical limitations.

ODeL Coordinator Vincent Sabulei confirmed that the institution successfully met all the regulatory and quality assurance requirements set by TVETA before receiving the accreditation.

According to Sabulei, the institution invested heavily in staff training, digital infrastructure, curriculum preparation, and compliance processes to ensure readiness for the rollout of the programme.

“We have fully complied with all regulatory requirements and quality standards required for accreditation. Our systems are ready, and we are prepared to deliver quality training through the ODeL platform,” he explained.

To strengthen implementation, the polytechnic has already trained 28 trainers who will support online teaching, learner engagement, content delivery, and digital assessment systems.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the accreditation, describing it as a major milestone in advancing digital technical education in Kenya. Many believe the move will increase access to skills training, particularly among youth and working professionals seeking to upgrade their qualifications without disrupting their schedules.

The development also reflects Kenya’s broader push toward integrating technology into education and equipping learners with digital skills required in the modern workplace.

Experts say programmes such as Website Development and Computer Design are increasingly becoming essential in today’s technology-driven economy, where businesses, organizations, and institutions continue to shift toward digital operations and online services.

The accreditation is expected to enhance TENP’s competitiveness among TVET institutions while attracting learners interested in flexible, affordable, and industry-relevant technical courses.

As the institution prepares to roll out the programmes, students and education stakeholders are optimistic that the initiative will open new opportunities for skills development, innovation, and employment creation both in Kenya and beyond.